The News
Royal Frustration Mounts as Meghan Markle’s Legal Battle Intensifies
Meghan Markle's ongoing legal dispute with Associated Newspapers is stirring frustration within the Royal Family as the Duchess's fight for privacy heats up with the Palace.
Reports reveal that staff members who previously worked for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been advised against deleting any correspondence amidst the Duchess's privacy battle.
According to The Telegraph, it has been communicated that employees linked to the Sussexes have been directed not to erase any communication in case searches are required.
Recent revelations surfaced as messages exchanged between Meghan and her former press secretary Jason Canove were presented in court this week.
Mark Stevens, a media law expert and partner at Howard Kennedy, expressed that emails and texts among staff members may undergo scrutiny and disclosure in court proceedings if the case proceeds to a full trial.
Stevens conveyed to The Telegraph that a substantial amount of material is likely to be scrutinized for pertinent content.
However, he emphasized that while the material will be shared with the mail on Sunday's legal team, the judge might impose reporting restrictions to prevent its use in news coverage.
In any court case, it is customary for all parties to be instructed not to delete any documents or correspondence.
The Times reported that the Duchess acknowledging an error in court has triggered frustration among senior royals and company executives.
An insider disclosed that initially, the royal family had advised Meghan against pursuing legal action.
The source expressed widespread exasperation within the hierarchy due to concerns raised about the wisdom of proceeding with the case.
The sentiment echoed was that this course of action should have been avoided, with a realization dawning on them about the complexities and implications of engaging in legal battles.
Gerard Tyrrell, a highly trusted lawyer of the royal family, reportedly attempted to dissuade Harry and Meghan from suing the mail on Sunday and Mail Online over the publication of a letter she had written to her father before her wedding.
A royal source revealed that efforts were made to provide a comprehensive overview to Harry and Meghan regarding the potential outcomes of taking the legal route.
Despite the advice, the couple opted to pursue legal action.
Meghan secured a victory in her lawsuit against the UK tabloid in a ruling earlier in May 2021, which led the media outlet to file an appeal.
Judges at the Court of Appeal are deliberating on whether to overturn the previous decision to grant summary judgment to the Duchess of Sussex on her privacy and copyright claims.
The prospect of scrutinizing emails and text messages exchanged within Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace, involving palace staff and the royal family, looms as a possibility in forthcoming legal proceedings.
The unfolding legal saga continues to captivate attention, shedding light on the intricate dynamics and repercussions entwined with high-profile legal battles.